Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel joined Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, to recognize award winners at the AMC Forum 30 in Sterling Heights.
“It’s always an honor to spotlight the innovative, hardworking organizations that drive Macomb County forward,” Hackel said. “These businesses play a vital role in our community and in our economy, making it a better place to live, work and experience. As I often say, ‘Macomb means business,’ and there’s no better way to showcase this than our annual Macomb Business Awards event.”
Winners of the 2025 Macomb Business Awards include:
Best Place to Work: Xpert Technologies, Sterling Heights
Xpert Technologies provides IT and cybersecurity services to small and medium sized companies in Michigan and beyond. Founded in 2002, the company has 14 employees who receive outstanding benefits, including free health care, a 401k match, summer hours, a lunch stipend and a company bonus pool for profit sharing. But beyond those extras, Xpert provides an environment where employee needs are prioritized and every individual is treated with respect. The result of this is an average tenure of over 10 years, a figure which demonstrates why it’s Macomb County’s Best Place to Work for 2025.
Fueling the Talent Pipeline: Quality Care Rehab & Autism Center, Shelby Township
Quality Care Rehab & Autism Center delivers exceptional behavioral and therapeutic services tailored to individuals with autism and related diagnoses in Macomb County. With a team of 80 therapists and support staff, they last year served more than 500 children and families through 20,000 therapy visits. To maintain these numbers, Quality Care Rehab & Autism Center is fueling its talent pipeline — starting apprenticeship programs and partnering with Michigan Works and Macomb Community College to offer tuition-free education and training that tackles the acute shortage of skilled professionals in their field. To date this has helped 26 individuals advance their careers, and by the end of 2025, an additional 25 apprentices will be established.
Green Macomb Sustainability Award: KUKA Systems North America LLC, Sterling Heights
With six facilities in Macomb County, KUKA Systems is a recognized leader in designing production systems for the automotive industry. In addition to its commitment to meet customer needs and achieve operational excellence, the company is invested in environmental responsibility, sustainability and continuous improvement. For instance, in one year, KUKA achieved a 21% reduction in electricity consumption, a 35% increase in recycling rates, a 25% reduction in water usage, and a 15% decline in natural gas usage—outcomes driven by targeted facility upgrades and energy management strategies. Additionally, the company has partnered with DTE's MI Green Power program, putting KUKA on course to achieve 100% renewable electricity within a few years.
Hidden Gem: Windermere Equestrian Center, Clinton Township
Established in 1983, Windermere Equestrian Center breeds, trains and boards horses, provides lessons for all ages, and offers summer camps and clinics. Located in a small rural area of Clinton Township, the center has 18 full-time and part-time employees who share their love, understanding and knowledge of horses with the community. This work has positive results - with successful competitions for riders, and new opportunities to expand. Notably, in 2020, the small farm doubled in size, and in 2023, the center added a new competition size heated indoor riding arena.
Manufacturer of the Year: Merit Manufacturing, Warren
Merit Manufacturing opened in 2017 in Macomb County, and has since grown into a powerhouse. It now has 110,000-square-feet of manufacturing space in Warren focused on redefining production within the personal care industry through its 110 employees, including formulation chemists, fulfillment associates, quality control specialists and more. This has attracted partnerships with international brands, who work with Merit to create innovative solutions for haircare, skincare and body care. The result of this work has led to 50% year over year growth, and in 2021, made Merit the 8th fastest growing manufacturing company on the INC 5000 list.
Nonprofit of the Year: Chaldean Community Foundation, Sterling Heights
The Chaldean Community Foundation is a beacon for anyone in need, having served 48,000 individuals from 70 different countries in 2024 alone. Founded in 2006, the nonprofit now has a 30,000-square-foot building with 80 dedicated employees and programs that specialize in mental health, employment, education for adults and young children, services for those with disabilities, and immigration. In recent years, it has made significant advancements, including the successful expansion of its health and human services center, as well as its attainable housing project, which eliminated a blighted property and replaced it with 135 affordable units, educational and commercial space. This has elevated the Foundation to the national stage, receiving recognition from the ARCH National Respite Network as an “Innovative and Exemplary Respite Service” - a significant accolade that reflects the dedication and excellence of its team.
Economic Development Partner of the Year: Detroit Regional Partnership
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